It's amazing what you see whilst you're out walking, on my latest couple of jaunts out to Laxey I've seen the obligatory wayward one shoe on top of a wall and the single glove on the kerb, but the winner this week was found by the road in Baldrine... It was a fish slice from a BBQ set! It looked pretty new and wasn't there when I did the same walk 2 days earlier, so if you are one piece short of a BBQ set, then you know where to look! It might seem odd to write about mislaid items, but when I'm doing the same walk over and over, I tend to look for markers of where I should be and at one time... I also place bets with myself on whether or not the glove will still be there when I get that specific part of my walk. This sounds ridiculous (even whilst I'm writing it), but I think it's important to find ways of entertaining yourself when your walking, so that you can battle the long stretches of road on the big day (especially during the hours of darkness)!
This week I finally feel as though I'm making progress, 2 x 14 mile walks under 3 hours and 10 minutes and my confidence is growing. The only thing I'm worried about is the possibility of wet weather. Last Thursday night when i walked from Douglas to Laxey, I got to Mines Road and turned around to walk back to Douglas and the heavens opened... My jacket got soaked almost immediately and after about half an hour the rain eased for 15 minutes before it started up again. My trainers were wet and so were my 1000 mile socks, not a good combination if you're planning to do 85 miles! This got me thinking that I would need to have 2 pairs of worn in trainers before June, so I picked found a pair of 'comfortable' back-ups and took them out for a 'test drive', thankfully they survived a good 3 hour stomp without causing me any blisters (touch wood), which has put my mind at ease somewhat... I would still love it not to rain during this years Parish Walk though!
I'm planning to give my sister another chance on the training front (after her dismal efforts a month earlier) so I'm hoping we'll get a good 9 or 10 miles in either tomorrow or Tuesday evening, here's hoping the weather will be nice! It'll be good to do a previous favourite route of mine, the old railway line from Douglas to Peel, whilst I know we won't go that far (probably and hour out and an hour back) I want to get as much walking in as possible this week. Next weekend will see me travel to watch my beloved Everton against Fulham, so I won't be able to do any official walking, unless I save my bus fare and wander the 6 miles there and back between from the Steam Packet ferry berth and Goodison Park?
I've gone on for longer than I intended, so will wrap things up and leave you with this question... How does someone lose one shoe and not notice?
Sunday, 21 April 2013
Monday, 8 April 2013
Time for a reboot?!...
Well my training has been very stop, start this year (as one or two of you may have noticed from previous blog posts), but after watching the videos on MTTV from the Manx Telecom Parish Walk launch event, it got me more enthusiastic about competing and I wanted to get out there and get some miles under my belt.
The first opportunity to train came over the Easter weekend, however, I had promised to take my girls swimming and not wanting to break that promise, I sacrificed my walk that day, the next day saw us going to a Christening and then lunch at my parents house, where Lucy took her first steps after months of trying to walk on her own! Easter Monday arrived and I was reminded that Holly and Lucy had been invited to the Easter Bunny trains at Groudle for their friend.s Birthday party, and not wanting to miss seeing their faces when they met the Easter Bunny I chose to go along (which I'm really glad I did as they both loved it)! A big Monday night roast at the in-laws followed so my long weekend of what should have been filled with walks across the Island, was spend with my amazing family. I know this blog is supposed to encourage all the reads to get out there and start walking, I'm conscious that I don't want to miss out on the days out with my wife and kids, which is something that looked like happening!
Prioritising is something we all must do and I know that I may have missed out about 30 miles worth of walking, but missing Lucy's first real steps on Easter Sunday would have been gutting (I can always make up the lost miles)!
The past weekend, we went to my cousin Ellan's wedding (congratulations to Ellan & Tony!), and there I was speaking with my mate (and fellow Parish Walk finisher), Liam Parker, who is a former under 21 winner in 2011. After a few drinks we agreed that starting training too early didn't seem to suit members of the football fraternity (as the season doesn't finish until May)! Liam mentioned that he starts his training in April as he looses his enthusiasm if he starts too early... I finally realised that this is exactly how I had been feeling. We both agreed that training should start properly the next day and I was pleased to read on Facebook that Liam had completed 15 miles during the afternoon (whilst I'd been sat watching Everton miss out on 3 points against Spurs). I felt guilty, so headed out for a couple of hours and got about 9 miles in... Not as much as I wanted to do, but better than nothing.
Tonight I agreed with my very understanding wife that I would finish work a bit earlier than normal and get out walking the old tried and tested route from my house in Douglas to Laxey and back (15 miles). It took me just over 3 hours and 15 minutes, which wasn't too bad, I lost time on the return leg where I lost a bit of focus, something that can happen on the big day, so it's worth working on. The training is now well and truly rebooted and I hope to kick own from here!
Though I should mention that in my last post I stated that the use of earphones/MP3players was banned, well I was reliable informed by readers of the blog, that they were not banned, but were not encouraged (as you may not be able to hear instructions from the marshals), apologies to anyone who I misinformed. I genuinely remember reading in previous years that they were not allowed, but maybe this rule has changed in the last few years?
One concern I do have is will my iPhone battery last throughout the full 85 mile walk, or should I acquire a non smartphone, whose battery will last considerable longer that Apple's otherwise amazing phone! I think a mobile phone is a must in order to keep in contact with your back-up crew. Let me know your thoughts?
Well that's all for now folks, keep an eye out for the next exciting instalment of my Parish Walk blog!
The first opportunity to train came over the Easter weekend, however, I had promised to take my girls swimming and not wanting to break that promise, I sacrificed my walk that day, the next day saw us going to a Christening and then lunch at my parents house, where Lucy took her first steps after months of trying to walk on her own! Easter Monday arrived and I was reminded that Holly and Lucy had been invited to the Easter Bunny trains at Groudle for their friend.s Birthday party, and not wanting to miss seeing their faces when they met the Easter Bunny I chose to go along (which I'm really glad I did as they both loved it)! A big Monday night roast at the in-laws followed so my long weekend of what should have been filled with walks across the Island, was spend with my amazing family. I know this blog is supposed to encourage all the reads to get out there and start walking, I'm conscious that I don't want to miss out on the days out with my wife and kids, which is something that looked like happening!
Prioritising is something we all must do and I know that I may have missed out about 30 miles worth of walking, but missing Lucy's first real steps on Easter Sunday would have been gutting (I can always make up the lost miles)!
The past weekend, we went to my cousin Ellan's wedding (congratulations to Ellan & Tony!), and there I was speaking with my mate (and fellow Parish Walk finisher), Liam Parker, who is a former under 21 winner in 2011. After a few drinks we agreed that starting training too early didn't seem to suit members of the football fraternity (as the season doesn't finish until May)! Liam mentioned that he starts his training in April as he looses his enthusiasm if he starts too early... I finally realised that this is exactly how I had been feeling. We both agreed that training should start properly the next day and I was pleased to read on Facebook that Liam had completed 15 miles during the afternoon (whilst I'd been sat watching Everton miss out on 3 points against Spurs). I felt guilty, so headed out for a couple of hours and got about 9 miles in... Not as much as I wanted to do, but better than nothing.
Tonight I agreed with my very understanding wife that I would finish work a bit earlier than normal and get out walking the old tried and tested route from my house in Douglas to Laxey and back (15 miles). It took me just over 3 hours and 15 minutes, which wasn't too bad, I lost time on the return leg where I lost a bit of focus, something that can happen on the big day, so it's worth working on. The training is now well and truly rebooted and I hope to kick own from here!
Though I should mention that in my last post I stated that the use of earphones/MP3players was banned, well I was reliable informed by readers of the blog, that they were not banned, but were not encouraged (as you may not be able to hear instructions from the marshals), apologies to anyone who I misinformed. I genuinely remember reading in previous years that they were not allowed, but maybe this rule has changed in the last few years?
One concern I do have is will my iPhone battery last throughout the full 85 mile walk, or should I acquire a non smartphone, whose battery will last considerable longer that Apple's otherwise amazing phone! I think a mobile phone is a must in order to keep in contact with your back-up crew. Let me know your thoughts?
Well that's all for now folks, keep an eye out for the next exciting instalment of my Parish Walk blog!
Monday, 18 March 2013
In sickness and in health...
It's been almost a month since my last blog post (shame on me). Don't worry, you've not missed much as I've spent that time either injured or ill! I mentioned in the last post that I was going to be playing football for Ramsey combi against Marown, well I'm pleased to say that I played and scored a cracking goal (despite only getting a 2-2 draw), but playing came at a price... Injury! I woke up on Sunday morning with a sore knee and ankle as well as aching leg muscles, this was a major problem as I intended on doing a walk that day. Needless to say I didn't train for the next week whilst I recovered. The following week saw me out training with my sister Jo Healey, well, I say we were training, I wanted to get out for a couple of hours walking and she wanted to wander along whilst sharing the weekly gossip. The evening culminated in her getting bored with the walking, claiming she had blisters and whinging to go home after about 5 miles. I think this may be the last walk that Jo and I go on together before the Parish!
Later in the week my household caught the latest cold/flu bug which affected everyone over a two week period, not the sort of thing I need when my training involves walking in now sub zero temperatures. So I'm in bed feeling 'under the weather' and I've just started to watch the FA Cup quarter final game between Everton and Wigan (which was billed as a sure fire Everton win) half an hour into the game and Wigan score 3 goals in 4 minutes to kill the game and end my thoughts of a trip to watch the toffees at Wembley in the semi-final! The weekend couldn't get much worse... Until Liverpool got an unlikely win at Spurs to fire them above the blues on goal difference!
Fast forward to the weekend just gone and the end of my cold had arrived, but not before it was replaced by an annoying cough (which I still have now), however I couldn't put training off anymore, I had to head out and get some miles under my belt. A week after the dismal display at Goodison Park and I find myself inspired by a fantastic Everton 2-0 victory over current champion Manchester City. I decided to get up on the Sunday morning and do a 2 hour (ish) walk, wasn't sure what route I'd take, but thought that I'd make it up as I went along. The weather was amazing, and the view as I walked along Douglas promenade is something else... The Isle of Man is such a great place to live! About 11 miles later, I return home unscathed, which is a great relief, my training regime has started once again!
At this point, I wanted to mention to all those Parish Walk first timers, that having read the rules, I've just realised that you are not allowed to use an iPod (or other generic MP3 player) on the day! This is something that should have really bothered me as throughout all of me training for this years event (and the 2011 event) I wasn't seen without my headphones in listening to music or podcasts. For those of you like me, who wonder how you can walk for the best part of a day with just the sound of your feet pounding the floor and the occasional passer by wishing you well, it can be done. During the 2011 PW, I didn't reach for my iPod once (other MP3's are available), and that year I didn't even know if they were banned? I suppose having trained on my own, I wasn't used to chatting with other walkers, my support crew or even singing to myself, but on the day, thats exactly what I did and it certainly kept me sane (if you can call singing to yourself being sane?!). If there is anything that you are apprehensive of because you don't know how you will cope on the day, chances are that you're brave enough to take on the Parish, so will be strong enough to overcome whatever issue you fear you may have!
I hope to be back with a new blog sooner rather than later, but I'm not promising anything!...
Later in the week my household caught the latest cold/flu bug which affected everyone over a two week period, not the sort of thing I need when my training involves walking in now sub zero temperatures. So I'm in bed feeling 'under the weather' and I've just started to watch the FA Cup quarter final game between Everton and Wigan (which was billed as a sure fire Everton win) half an hour into the game and Wigan score 3 goals in 4 minutes to kill the game and end my thoughts of a trip to watch the toffees at Wembley in the semi-final! The weekend couldn't get much worse... Until Liverpool got an unlikely win at Spurs to fire them above the blues on goal difference!
Fast forward to the weekend just gone and the end of my cold had arrived, but not before it was replaced by an annoying cough (which I still have now), however I couldn't put training off anymore, I had to head out and get some miles under my belt. A week after the dismal display at Goodison Park and I find myself inspired by a fantastic Everton 2-0 victory over current champion Manchester City. I decided to get up on the Sunday morning and do a 2 hour (ish) walk, wasn't sure what route I'd take, but thought that I'd make it up as I went along. The weather was amazing, and the view as I walked along Douglas promenade is something else... The Isle of Man is such a great place to live! About 11 miles later, I return home unscathed, which is a great relief, my training regime has started once again!
At this point, I wanted to mention to all those Parish Walk first timers, that having read the rules, I've just realised that you are not allowed to use an iPod (or other generic MP3 player) on the day! This is something that should have really bothered me as throughout all of me training for this years event (and the 2011 event) I wasn't seen without my headphones in listening to music or podcasts. For those of you like me, who wonder how you can walk for the best part of a day with just the sound of your feet pounding the floor and the occasional passer by wishing you well, it can be done. During the 2011 PW, I didn't reach for my iPod once (other MP3's are available), and that year I didn't even know if they were banned? I suppose having trained on my own, I wasn't used to chatting with other walkers, my support crew or even singing to myself, but on the day, thats exactly what I did and it certainly kept me sane (if you can call singing to yourself being sane?!). If there is anything that you are apprehensive of because you don't know how you will cope on the day, chances are that you're brave enough to take on the Parish, so will be strong enough to overcome whatever issue you fear you may have!
I hope to be back with a new blog sooner rather than later, but I'm not promising anything!...
Friday, 22 February 2013
Crisis of confidence?...
I wasn't able to get out walking last weekend as my wife was away on a training course, so I spent Saturday and Sunday with my wonderful daughters Holly and Lucy! Due to life getting in the way once more the first chance I got to go out walking was Thursday night. It was dry, but very, very cold. With my wooly hat and snood on I looked like a deadly assassin (with leggings on). I managed to get in just over 8 miles worth of walking during the 1 hour and 50 minutes I was out, but for the first time since starting my training, I lost my enthusiasm for walking. Not sure if it was the temperature, the darkness or the loneliness of walking on my own (or a combination of all three), but this got me worried?
I've had some support for my friend Richard who still offers his time to help me train, but conflicting schedules have meant that we haven't been able to get as much as we've wanted to. My sister, Jo Healey has so far been full of false promises regarding training together, although she has promised to organise some time to train... Watch this space!
Anyway, back to the concerns over my commitment to walking... What happens if I get bored early on and end up quitting before the race has really got started? It never really occurred to me that since finishing in 2011, I may take it for granted that I can finish once again with relative ease. So far, I've not done as much as I would have liked and time seems to be going by pretty quickly! Since my ankle injury back in September, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to walk over long distances, but so far the furthest I've managed to walk in one go is about 16 miles. I promised myself that I wouldn't play football again, but since that 'promise' I've been persuaded by the manager to play 3 times (and tomorrow will be game number 4)! The plan for tomorrow's game against Marown is to get the ball and pass it off straight away, I can't take another 3 month lay off from training due to a dodgy challenge from the opposition!
So with my current crisis of confidence I now doubt my ability to finish the Parish Walk again... But maybe this is a good thing? Maybe the realisation that its not going to be a walk in the park (no pun intended), is a positive thing? Maybe it will help me focus on doing more training?... I hope so!!!
As a bit of fun and to check if anyone actual reads my blog, can anyone tell me what this is...
I've had some support for my friend Richard who still offers his time to help me train, but conflicting schedules have meant that we haven't been able to get as much as we've wanted to. My sister, Jo Healey has so far been full of false promises regarding training together, although she has promised to organise some time to train... Watch this space!
Anyway, back to the concerns over my commitment to walking... What happens if I get bored early on and end up quitting before the race has really got started? It never really occurred to me that since finishing in 2011, I may take it for granted that I can finish once again with relative ease. So far, I've not done as much as I would have liked and time seems to be going by pretty quickly! Since my ankle injury back in September, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to walk over long distances, but so far the furthest I've managed to walk in one go is about 16 miles. I promised myself that I wouldn't play football again, but since that 'promise' I've been persuaded by the manager to play 3 times (and tomorrow will be game number 4)! The plan for tomorrow's game against Marown is to get the ball and pass it off straight away, I can't take another 3 month lay off from training due to a dodgy challenge from the opposition!
So with my current crisis of confidence I now doubt my ability to finish the Parish Walk again... But maybe this is a good thing? Maybe the realisation that its not going to be a walk in the park (no pun intended), is a positive thing? Maybe it will help me focus on doing more training?... I hope so!!!
As a bit of fun and to check if anyone actual reads my blog, can anyone tell me what this is...
Saturday, 9 February 2013
Back in the saddle again...
I've not blogged in a couple of weeks now and that doesn't necessarily mean that I've not done any training... Just that I've not really done that much training! I've managed to get out for 2 substantial walks, but missed out on a few shorter walks due to either poor planning, bad weather and / or laziness!
I thought about filling this post with the routes I took and my pace per mile, but think it's more interesting to go through the reason why I didn't train... Simple answer is 'life'!
Spending time with my family is obviously very important and this can account for most of the time spent not training. My wife and I have been organising our youngest daughter, Lucy's birthday presents & party etc. (Lucy was 1 last Friday by the way... happy birthday Lucy!!!) and I've been trying to juggle work for the Everton Supporters Club and my other hobby as a mediocre table tennis player!
The main point I'm trying to get across is that I'm not a race walker and despite starting out thinking that I could do really well in the race, I know that I have too many other things going on to concentrate on just training for the Parish Walk... and that's ok! If you have found that your training plan isn't going how you thought it would, then don't worry. Life will always get in the way of any planning and there's not a lot you can do about that. Just re-evaluate the time you can spend on training and review your goals. There is no short cut to finishing the Parish Walk and you get out of it what you put in, but don't be disheartened at this stage, there is plenty of time to make up any missed sessions.
Below is the picture I took from Blackberry Lane over looking a misty Douglas whilst out on Saturday as I jump started my training once more!
Keep on training guys, it'll all help on the big day!
I thought about filling this post with the routes I took and my pace per mile, but think it's more interesting to go through the reason why I didn't train... Simple answer is 'life'!
Spending time with my family is obviously very important and this can account for most of the time spent not training. My wife and I have been organising our youngest daughter, Lucy's birthday presents & party etc. (Lucy was 1 last Friday by the way... happy birthday Lucy!!!) and I've been trying to juggle work for the Everton Supporters Club and my other hobby as a mediocre table tennis player!
The main point I'm trying to get across is that I'm not a race walker and despite starting out thinking that I could do really well in the race, I know that I have too many other things going on to concentrate on just training for the Parish Walk... and that's ok! If you have found that your training plan isn't going how you thought it would, then don't worry. Life will always get in the way of any planning and there's not a lot you can do about that. Just re-evaluate the time you can spend on training and review your goals. There is no short cut to finishing the Parish Walk and you get out of it what you put in, but don't be disheartened at this stage, there is plenty of time to make up any missed sessions.
Below is the picture I took from Blackberry Lane over looking a misty Douglas whilst out on Saturday as I jump started my training once more!
Keep on training guys, it'll all help on the big day!
Thursday, 24 January 2013
There's sNOw time like the present...
With the cold weather we've been having over the last week or so, you could be forgiven for sitting indoors by the fire, watching TV and eating comfort food... Well I managed to force myself to leave the front room this week and venture out for some training!
Saturday saw me take on the 15 mile walk from Douglas to Laxey and back, I got my clothing choice totally wrong, which didn't help when battling the cold air (note to self, wear more layers and a woolly hat). There were some lovely sights along the way and some great advertising oportunities (see if you can spot one in my picture below).
The trip took just over 3 hours which wasn't too bad for the stage I'm currently at... the main thing I was pleased about was the lack of rain... what a bonus! One thing I did want to mention was the amount of people (who I didn't actually know) that were either out running, cycling or simply strolling along through Douglas/Onchan/Laxey and said hello, waved or gave a nod of recognition to me. I thought the spirit of community had gone the way of the dodo, but I'm obviously very much mistaken (I'm sure my wife will tell you that me being mistaken, or as she likes to put it "just being wrong" happens on a daily basis, so I shouldn't be so surprised!). We often don't realise how lucky we are to live on such a friendly Island, but you certainly appreciate a smile when it's freezing cold and you've been walking for what seems like forever!
Fast forward to Tuesday night, I wanted to set a course which would see me leave my house and return their within an hour. I wanted a session where I can walk when it is dark, which would be well lit and had a pavement, so I'm not having to dodge cars left, right and centre! The walk I chose had a good mix of flat and hills (not sure if thats the correct walking terminology?) and was able to complete 5 miles within the hour (not sure what speed I was going though? ha ha!), it incorporated Douglas Promenade and thought I'd take a picture (for all those who have ambitions of finishing) of where the finish line will be on Sunday 23rd June 2013...As an aside, I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I finally got round to going to the physio about my injured ankle... good news is that the physio said I am able to do whatever sport I want, so long as I do the exercises she has prescribed to strengthen the muscles around my ankle, these will help me compensate for any ligament damage which has been sustained. I'd like to say how impressed I was with the service provided by the Department of Health's physio self referral scheme. All I had to do was complete quick online form (found on their website http://www.gov.im/health/services/Hospitals/Physiotherapy/selfref.xml), make a phonecall two days later to book my appointment and I was seen within a few days at the Community Health Centre in Douglas It's a great service that I'd recommend to anyone who thinks they may benefit from it!
That's all for now, I'll hopefully have clocked up a few more miles by the time my next blog comes out... Keep on walking!
Sunday, 13 January 2013
The early bird...
My walk this weekend started at 7:00 am in the NSC car park. I was once again joined by Richard Creer and we decided to walk to Peel via St Johns. The morning was dark, as you would expect for this ice of year, however I didn't realise that there is no real street lighting after you leave Braddan Church... This meant walking in the dark, not a huge problem, but one that other walkers may wish to take note of?
Due to time constraints I suggested that we walk only to St Johns (I had underestimated how far Peel was from Douglas on foot). I had kept pace with Richard on the way to St Johns, but on the way back the wind had really started to blow against us and made walking all the more difficult. Richard was going at a really steady and good pace, which sparked my competitiveness to keep up, however my body started to tell me pretty quickly that my fitness was somewhat lacking. The upshot of this was that I was walking faster than I would have done on my own, but was really feeling it in my arms and legs (not a bad thing I know)! 2 hours and 55 minutes after starting, we were back at the NSC. A few lessons learned:
1) if you're starting out early, make sure you have a headlamp,
2) if your route is not one that you have walked before, check how faro it is and work out how long it should take you to get to your destination (and back if applicable),
3) work on a steady and constant technique that works for you (even if it's unorthodox),
4) know your limits... Don't run before you can walk (excuse the pun). Work up to a quicker pace in your own time.
The picture below was taken after I'd adhered to my own advice (point 4 above). The minuscule figure in the distance ahead is Richard on his way through Union Mills!
Due to time constraints I suggested that we walk only to St Johns (I had underestimated how far Peel was from Douglas on foot). I had kept pace with Richard on the way to St Johns, but on the way back the wind had really started to blow against us and made walking all the more difficult. Richard was going at a really steady and good pace, which sparked my competitiveness to keep up, however my body started to tell me pretty quickly that my fitness was somewhat lacking. The upshot of this was that I was walking faster than I would have done on my own, but was really feeling it in my arms and legs (not a bad thing I know)! 2 hours and 55 minutes after starting, we were back at the NSC. A few lessons learned:
1) if you're starting out early, make sure you have a headlamp,
2) if your route is not one that you have walked before, check how faro it is and work out how long it should take you to get to your destination (and back if applicable),
3) work on a steady and constant technique that works for you (even if it's unorthodox),
4) know your limits... Don't run before you can walk (excuse the pun). Work up to a quicker pace in your own time.
The picture below was taken after I'd adhered to my own advice (point 4 above). The minuscule figure in the distance ahead is Richard on his way through Union Mills!
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